Ten days after firing Craig Smith, Utah has landed its next men’s head basketball coach: Dallas Mavericks assistant Alex Jensen. The 48-year-old alum played for Rick Majerus and was on the legendary 1997-98 Runnin’ Utes team that went all the way to the national title game against Kentucky.
Jensen was involved in this job opening four years ago, when Smith ultimately won out, and was immediately Utah AD Mark Harlan’s top choice this time around, according to sources. Jensen mulled the offer for days before he ultimately agreed to terms with his alma mater Thursday.
“Alex brings with him tremendous experience coaching at the collegiate, NBA and international levels, and is widely-respected for his ability to develop players and teach the game of basketball,” Harlan said in a statement. “Alex has a vision and a plan for leading the Runnin’ Utes basketball program back among the nation’s elite, and I am confident that he will elevate our program and reignite the passion of our fan base along the way.”
Now — just like in-state rival BYU — Utah is plucking a coach from the NBA ranks to run its program. A year ago, BYU brought in Kevin Young, who was on the Phoenix Suns’ staff. The Cougars are 22-8 and tracking toward a good seed in the NCAA Tournament. Jensen spent the past dozen years working in the NBA, most recently for the Mavericks since 2023. Prior to that he was a 10-year fixture in Salt Lake City with the Utah Jazz.
College basketball coaching changes: Miami, Utah waste little time making hires in prep for portal season
Matt Norlander
Jensen began his coaching life with the same man he played for at Utah. After a seven-year stint as an overseas pro, Jensen got into the…
..
